Endnote | RefWorks | Zotero | Mendeley | |
URL | http://endnote.com/ | http://www.refworks.com/ | http://www.zotero.org/ | http://www.mendeley.com/ |
Type | Desktop Client | Web-based | Desktop software and browser add-on for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. | Desktop software and web-based. Works with IE, Firefox, Chrome and Safari. |
Tutorials | Endnote Training | Refworks Tutorial | Zotero Tutorial | Mendeley Tutorial |
Cost | The Libraries do not provide access to X8, the current version of EndNote. It is available for purchase online. | A 12-month subscription to RefWorks is available for $100 / year. | Free (Open Source) with 100 MB of storage. Upgrades available for a monthly fee. | Free with 1GB of web space (500 MB personal & 500 MB shared.) Upgrades available for a monthly fee. |
Endnote | RefWorks | Zotero | Mendeley | |
How it works |
Export references from compatible databases. |
Export references from compatible databases. | Zotero identifies when you are looking at an item and will show an icon in the URL bar. Click the icon to add the item to your references. | Export references from compatible databases. |
Learning Curve | Higher Learning curve | Fairly quick to learn | Quick to learn, very simple design | Quick to learn, simple design |
Strengths |
|
|
|
|
Endnote | RefWorks | Zotero | Mendeley | |
Output styles and Bibliographic formats | Many styles and formats | Many styles and formats | Many styles and formats | Many styles and formats |
Importing Records | Record import is simple from most research databases. | Record import is simple from most research databases. | Simple, as long as the resource is compatible with Zotero. Verify information is correct after import. | Simple, use the Mendeley browser plugin. Does not work with as many databases as other products. |
What can you import | Organize records for articles and books. PDFs and other file types can be stored within the record. PDFs can be downloaded but are not searchable. | Records for articles and books | Books, articles, patents, webpages; can also store PDF’s, screenshots, files and images within record. PDFs can be searchable in the preferences menu. | Import bibliographic citations and PDFs. Can also manually add citations. |
Exporting Records to other citation software | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, export to EndNoteXML, RIS and BibTex |
Endnote | RefWorks | Zotero | Mendeley | |
Integration with word processing software | Works with Word, Open Office and LaTex through BibTex. | Works with Word through “Write-N-Cite” Feature and LaTex through BibTex. | Works with Word, Open Office; and with LaTex through BibTex. | Works with Word and OpenOffice and LaTex through BibTex. |
Important features | PDF file management and organization. | Not limited to a single machine. |
|
|
Collaborate | No | Yes. Users can share reference with other RefWorks users. | Yes, both with individuals and groups. | Yes, share with groups. |
Record back up | No | Yes | Yes, if you choose to back-up or sync. | Yes |
Mobile Access | EndNote Web has a mobile version. Login with your email and EndNote Web password. | RefMobile |
|